News

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks announce the re-signings of catcher Joe DeLuca and pitchers Tyler Stirewalt and Benji Waite to the 2018 roster.

DeLuca joined the RedHawks last season as a true rookie, after playing collegiately at College of St. Rose in Albany, NY. In two seasons with the Golden Knights, DeLuca batted .272, with 71 hits and 41 RBI in 75 games played.

“Joe came to us halfway through last year as a true rookie and was very impressive,” said RedHawks Manager Michael Schlact. “He is a very good switch hitting catcher who can also play the corners, so he’s very valuable. We’re looking for him to step up in a big way for his first full year of pro baseball, and we believe that with the help of Chris Coste he can become a huge asset to us.”

In 13 games last season for the RedHawks, DeLuca batted .367, with 11 hits and six RBI.

Stirewalt was drafted out of California State University Fresno (CA) by the Minnesota Twins in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft.

“Tyler has an above average arm and can fill many roles on the pitching staff, so needless to say we’re excited about him returning this year,” said Schlact. “He’s made improvements over the winter and he’s very motivated to come in and help the RedHawks in any way possible.”

In three starts last season with the RedHawks, Stirewalt posted a 1-2 record, with a 4.47 ERA and nine strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

Waite first joined the RedHawks in 2015. He played for the St. Paul Saints during the 2016 season and split time between the Saints and RedHawks in 2017.

“Benji came back to the RedHawks last year from the St. Paul Saints where he was one of the top pitchers in the league during the first half of the season,” said Schlact. “He has a great sinker to complement a solid breaking ball, and the potential to neutralize any lineup in the league. We’re excited for Benji to step up on the mound and to emerge as a leader in the clubhouse as well.”

Last season, Waite appeared in three games for the RedHawks, pitching 10.1 innings with eight strikeouts.